KODAK BUYS WEB PRESS BUILDER

Kodak has acquired Graphic Systems Services (GSS), the engineering company that has been building the transport systems for its inkjet presses, in a move to ensure supply and ramp up production.

GSS is a longtime Kodak vendor, initially providing press engineering for the Versamark heads and VL2000 presses, and latterly providing transport systems for the Prosper press line, including the Prosper Ultra 520 Press and Prosper 7000 Turbo Press.

GSS is located in Springboro, Ohio, just an hour by road from Kodak’s inkjet design and manufacturing hub in Dayton, Ohio.
Jim Continenza, executive chairman and CEO of Kodak said, “Having an in-house source of transport systems and additional expertise from an industry leader like GSS will immediately make our inkjet business stronger and more sustainable.

“As business conditions continue to be challenging, now is the time to control our own destiny and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure reliable delivery of presses to our customers. Looking forward, our ability to leverage GSS’s skills and resources will be extremely valuable as we continue to focus on expanding our inkjet portfolio and providing completely integrated inkjet solutions.”

GSS has a long history in press building, it worked with Harris and AM International, and acquired Didde in 1995. Four years ago it bought the inline web finishing operations of Global Web Finishing and Scheffer. As well as building presses and transport for Kodak it works with other inkjet technology providers.

Dan Green, president and CEO of GSS said: “Over our 20 years of working together, we have developed a very close working relationship with Kodak,” said Dan Green, President and CEO of GSS. “Our employees are enthusiastic about Kodak’s decision to acquire GSS. Our portfolio of inkjet transport systems and other components, along with our manufacturing expertise and engineering consulting services, will help Kodak further strengthen their position as a leader in inkjet technology.”